Which OTC Meds Treat Heartburn?

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There are a variety of heartburn medicines available over the counter to ease symptoms. If these don’t help enough, talk to your doctor about what else might help in addition to lifestyle changes. Your doctor may want to see if you have a type of severe heartburn called gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD.

The proton-pump inhibitors esomeprazole (Nexium 24HR), lansoprazole (Prevacid 24HR), and omeprazole (Prilosec OTC) and are sold over-the-counter to treat frequent heartburn (two or more times per week) for 14 days. All of these medicines are also available as prescriptions. Take them according to the directions on the package or as advised by your doctor.

If these medications don't relieve your symptoms, or if your heartburn symptoms get worse or last for longer than 2 weeks, you should see your doctor.

Combination Antacid/Acid Reducer for Heartburn

Pepcid Complete combines the acid-neutralizing capability of an antacid and the acid-reducing actions of an H2 blocker. Zegerid OTC combines a proton-pump inhibitor with sodium bicarbonate.

So Which Works Best for Heartburn?

All of these over-the-counter medicines, to a varying degree, can relieve the symptoms of heartburn. If you have more severe heartburn symptoms that these medications don’t relieve, or if you’ve been using these medicines for more than 2 weeks, call your doctor. You may need a stronger prescription medicine and tests to see what’s causing your symptoms.